109 W modules from Solarwatt

The Dresden-based module manufacturer Solarwatt has started sales of two new module models with high-power cells from the Czech manufacturer Solartec. 

© Solarwatt Solar-Systeme GmbH Transparent appearance: The new solar module M110-72 GEG LK (here, a draft sketch) from Solarwatt lets around 15 percent of light filter through it.

The M110-72 GEG LK and M110-72 GET AK modules are basically the same as the predecessor models apart from the cells, which were supplied by RWE Schott Solar – thus, says Grit Heine from Solarwatt, it »isn't really about new modules.« Both models each have 72 square monocrystalline silicon cells with a rather small edge length of only 10.2 cm. The power rating for each module is 109 W with a tolerance of +10 / -3 percent; the electrical parameters are also identical.

However, the construction, which can be identified from the latter part of the model name, is not identical: GET stands for glass/EVA/Tedlar-composite foil, and GEG refers to glass-EVA-glass. The rear glass of the M110-72 GEG LK can transmit 15 percent sunlight through the module.

The labeling with the additions AK and LK reveals even more about the module design: L stands for a frameless laminate, and models with aluminum frames come labeled with an A. Cables (K) are fitted on both module types, whereby the M110-72 GEG LK has Multi-Contact connectors and the M110-72 GET AK has connectors from Tyco. Three connection buttons on the reverse side each protect a bypass diode and the connection cables emerge out of the module through two of the buttons.

In addition, both models are offered with 105 and 112 W power ratings, but according to Grit Heine, these are only produced in small quantities. Solarwatt offers a 12-year guarantee for 90 percent of the module power and 25 years for 80 percent of the minimum power. The modules are certified according to IEC 61215 and safety class II. The glass-Tedlar version is available at a recommended retail price of €4.90 ($6.39) per W before taxes; the glass-glass module is priced at €5.25 ($6.84). In this way, this model line differ considerably from the new module type M180-48 GET AK, which will be released in June, as orders already have been placed for its whole production.

datasheet

Solarwatt Solar-Systeme GmbH
Grenzstrasse 28
01109 Dresden, Germany
phone +49 351/8895-0, fax -111
info@solarwatt.de
www.solarwatt.de

Karl Heinz Diefenbach
© PHOTON International, March 2005